2017 awards ‘sort of like the Muskoka Oscars’ for community services

MUSKOKA — The room was packed to bursting with guests of honour and their adoring family, friends and colleagues.

“It was mentioned by staff this morning this is sort of like the Muskoka Oscars,” said Bracebridge Coun. Steve Clement, chair of the community services committee for the District of Muskoka.

The 2017 Community Services Recognition Awards, held this fall at the district offices in Bracebridge, celebrated a dozen individuals and groups from across the region for their outstanding contributions and achievements, related to the goals and values of Muskoka Community Services.

Recipients were nominated in one of four categories:

1. Participants in community services programs who have shown extraordinary growth or achievement:

“You people are a prime example of what makes (Muskoka) great,” said Clement.

Kylie Scott, for example, moved with two small children and limited resources to the area in 2016. She sought support through the district’s housing and child care programs, while securing two jobs and completing her high school diploma at an adult education centre, where she also received the CUPE Award for Outstanding Effort.

“Her drive and desire to be better for both herself and her children is evident in what she has accomplished thus far and is an inspiration for all of us,” stated staff.

Chip Loughead, as another example, partnered as a landlord with the district to facilitate rent supplements for tenants in five units, convert an old office space into a new affordable unit while working on a second, and offer units at affordable rent.

“Chip is always willing to work with staff to support some of our most vulnerable clients, enabling them to secure and maintain housing — even in the most difficult of situations,” stated staff.

And Kim Doughty, a staff member with the community services Ontario Works team since 2012, offers support to clients challenged with addiction and mental health recovery, while collaborating with more than 40 community partners and supporting her colleagues.

“Kim makes a significant contribution in her private life to her community,” stated staff. “She sits on many boards and committees in order to help others understand the vulnerability of so many of their community members, offering passion and expertise to all she comes in contact with.”

Danielle Morgan, a community services staffer, said the awards offered a way for friends, neighbours, colleagues and fellow community members to nominate and thank the recipients.

“These examples teach us about social responsibility and how we can all affect change on some level, within our own means,” said Morgan. “And that these efforts can have a large impact on our community and, more importantly, a life-changing impact on those in need.”

2017 awards ‘sort of like the Muskoka Oscars’ for community services

MUSKOKA — The room was packed to bursting with guests of honour and their adoring family, friends and colleagues.

“It was mentioned by staff this morning this is sort of like the Muskoka Oscars,” said Bracebridge Coun. Steve Clement, chair of the community services committee for the District of Muskoka.

The 2017 Community Services Recognition Awards, held this fall at the district offices in Bracebridge, celebrated a dozen individuals and groups from across the region for their outstanding contributions and achievements, related to the goals and values of Muskoka Community Services.

“You people are a prime example of what makes (Muskoka) great,” said Clement.

Kylie Scott, for example, moved with two small children and limited resources to the area in 2016. She sought support through the district’s housing and child care programs, while securing two jobs and completing her high school diploma at an adult education centre, where she also received the CUPE Award for Outstanding Effort.

“Her drive and desire to be better for both herself and her children is evident in what she has accomplished thus far and is an inspiration for all of us,” stated staff.

Chip Loughead, as another example, partnered as a landlord with the district to facilitate rent supplements for tenants in five units, convert an old office space into a new affordable unit while working on a second, and offer units at affordable rent.

“Chip is always willing to work with staff to support some of our most vulnerable clients, enabling them to secure and maintain housing — even in the most difficult of situations,” stated staff.

And Kim Doughty, a staff member with the community services Ontario Works team since 2012, offers support to clients challenged with addiction and mental health recovery, while collaborating with more than 40 community partners and supporting her colleagues.

“Kim makes a significant contribution in her private life to her community,” stated staff. “She sits on many boards and committees in order to help others understand the vulnerability of so many of their community members, offering passion and expertise to all she comes in contact with.”

Danielle Morgan, a community services staffer, said the awards offered a way for friends, neighbours, colleagues and fellow community members to nominate and thank the recipients.

“These examples teach us about social responsibility and how we can all affect change on some level, within our own means,” said Morgan. “And that these efforts can have a large impact on our community and, more importantly, a life-changing impact on those in need.”

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2017 awards ‘sort of like the Muskoka Oscars’ for community services

MUSKOKA — The room was packed to bursting with guests of honour and their adoring family, friends and colleagues.

“It was mentioned by staff this morning this is sort of like the Muskoka Oscars,” said Bracebridge Coun. Steve Clement, chair of the community services committee for the District of Muskoka.

The 2017 Community Services Recognition Awards, held this fall at the district offices in Bracebridge, celebrated a dozen individuals and groups from across the region for their outstanding contributions and achievements, related to the goals and values of Muskoka Community Services.

“You people are a prime example of what makes (Muskoka) great,” said Clement.

Kylie Scott, for example, moved with two small children and limited resources to the area in 2016. She sought support through the district’s housing and child care programs, while securing two jobs and completing her high school diploma at an adult education centre, where she also received the CUPE Award for Outstanding Effort.

“Her drive and desire to be better for both herself and her children is evident in what she has accomplished thus far and is an inspiration for all of us,” stated staff.

Chip Loughead, as another example, partnered as a landlord with the district to facilitate rent supplements for tenants in five units, convert an old office space into a new affordable unit while working on a second, and offer units at affordable rent.

“Chip is always willing to work with staff to support some of our most vulnerable clients, enabling them to secure and maintain housing — even in the most difficult of situations,” stated staff.

And Kim Doughty, a staff member with the community services Ontario Works team since 2012, offers support to clients challenged with addiction and mental health recovery, while collaborating with more than 40 community partners and supporting her colleagues.

“Kim makes a significant contribution in her private life to her community,” stated staff. “She sits on many boards and committees in order to help others understand the vulnerability of so many of their community members, offering passion and expertise to all she comes in contact with.”

Danielle Morgan, a community services staffer, said the awards offered a way for friends, neighbours, colleagues and fellow community members to nominate and thank the recipients.

“These examples teach us about social responsibility and how we can all affect change on some level, within our own means,” said Morgan. “And that these efforts can have a large impact on our community and, more importantly, a life-changing impact on those in need.”